Get Docker running on your machine and deploy your first container in under 12 minutes. This guide covers installation, verification, and running your first containerized application.
Prerequisites
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Operating System macOS 12+, Ubuntu 20.04+, or Windows 10/11 with WSL2
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Disk Space At least 4GB free
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Admin Access sudo/administrator privileges required
Install Docker
Install Docker
~5 minDownload and install Docker Desktop for your platform:
macOS (using Homebrew):
brew install --cask dockerAfter installation, open Docker Desktop from Applications to complete setup.
Linux (Ubuntu/Debian):
# Add Docker's official GPG key
curl -fsSL https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu/gpg | sudo gpg --dearmor -o /usr/share/keyrings/docker-archive-keyring.gpg
Set up the repository
echo “deb [arch=$(dpkg –print-architecture) signed-by=/usr/share/keyrings/docker-archive-keyring.gpg] https://download.docker.com/linux/ubuntu $(lsb_release -cs) stable” | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/docker.list > /dev/null
Install Docker Engine
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install docker-ce docker-ce-cli containerd.io
Windows:
winget install Docker.DockerDesktop
WSL2 must be installed. Run wsl --install first if needed.
Verify Installation
Verify Installation
~1 minCheck that Docker is installed correctly:
docker --versionDocker version 24.0.7, build afdd53bRun Hello World
Run Hello World
~1 minTest Docker by running the official hello-world image:
docker run hello-worldHello from Docker!
This message shows that your installation appears to be working correctly.
...You've successfully pulled and run your first container.
Run an Interactive Container
Run an Interactive Container
~2 minStart an Ubuntu container and get a shell inside it:
docker run -it ubuntu bashYou’re now inside the container. Try running some commands:
# Inside the container
cat /etc/os-release
exit
The -it flags give you an interactive terminal. Type exit to leave.
Run a Web Server
Run a Web Server
~2 minStart an Nginx web server that you can access from your browser:
docker run -d -p 8080:80 --name my-nginx nginxOpen your browser and visit:
http://localhost:8080 →
-d runs in background, -p 8080:80 maps port 8080 on your machine to port 80 in the container.
Manage Containers
Manage Containers
~1 minView running containers:
docker psCONTAINER ID IMAGE COMMAND STATUS PORTS NAMES
a1b2c3d4e5f6 nginx "/docker-entrypoint.…" Up 2 minutes 0.0.0.0:8080->80/tcp my-nginxStop and remove the container:
docker stop my-nginx
docker rm my-nginxCreate Your Own Image
Create Your Own Image
~2 minCreate a simple Dockerfile:
# Save this as Dockerfile
FROM nginx:alpine
COPY index.html /usr/share/nginx/html/
EXPOSE 80Create a simple HTML file:
<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head><title>My Docker App</title></head>
<body><h1>Hello from Docker! 🐳</h1></body>
</html>Build and run your image:
docker build -t my-app .
docker run -d -p 8080:80 my-appVisit localhost:8080 to see your custom app running.